Chapter V. THE INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS

THE INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS Aries, the Ram

ARIES is mythologically represented as a ram and the symbol describes most accurately those born under its influence, a pointed and protruding sheeplike nose, wide forehead, pointed chin and the resultant triangular face noted in many people, are unmistakable indications of their rising sign, light brown or reddish tint of the hair is a pronounced characteristic of the Arian, the body is slender and well formed, if the first part of the sign is rising the body is shorter, and the complexion darker than given by the latter degrees.

Planets in the rising sign will modify the description, however, and the student must use his knowledge of the character of the planets in conjunction with the description of the Sign. The Sun and Mars make the complexion more florid, the Moon and Saturn make it paler and darker, Jupiter and Venus make the body more portly. Saturn shortens, Uranus and Mercury lengthen it. This applies to all the signs, but is especially marked when a planet rises in the sign it rules. Mars, in Aries rising would

give fiery red hair and a face full of freckles. The Sun rising in Leo would give a florid complexion with flaxen hair, but if Saturn were there, instead it would shorten the body and darken the hair.

Aries people are bold, selfconfident and impulsive; they aim to lead, dislike to follow, are always ready to take the initiative in any movement that appeals to them, but often lack persistence to carry their projects to a conclusion over serious obstacles.

The Sun, and Mars the Ruler, rising in Aries would intensify the above, but as a thorough explanation has been given under the heading "The intrinsic natures of the Planets," the student is referred thereto. We may mention here however, as a peculiarity that Aries people live through fevers when others succumb. "We have known their hair to fall out, and the temperature to remain four degrees above maximum for many hours, without fatal result.

Taurus is represented by a Bull in the Zodiac, and the bodies generated under this sign are usually short and stocky. They have a strong neck with the bump of amativeness well developed, large lobe of the ear, heavy jaws, full face; nose short and stubby. Dark eyes and wavy hair frequently give them considerable beauty. The eye of the Taurian may never dart bolts of fire such as those wherewith the Arian would annihilate his enemies;

it is softer, but under provocation it becomes sullenly expressive of the passive resistance wherewith these people win their battles. It then marks the difference between the impulsive Aries and the stubborn Taurus. The inner phalange of the thumb is large and heavy, the calves well developed and the foot chubby. In walking the Taurian usually plants his heel first, and heaviest.

Taurus people are pre-eminently "thorough and steadfast ' ' in everything they do : In love, in hate, in work or play, they persist in a given direction, and neither reason nor argument will turn them. They are verbose and argumentative in defense of their actions or opinions; they grasp new ideas slowly, with difficulty and conservatively, but once comprehended and espoused, they always remember what they have learned and defend their opinion to the last ditch.

The Sun rising in Taurus gives an unusually firm physique, and accentuates the Taurus pride in strength. The Moon, being the planet of fecundity, is exalted in this exceedingly fruitful sign; hence people with the Moon in Taurus have large families, particularly if the configuration is in the fifth house, for that designates children.

Venus, the ruler of Taurus, rising in that sign, makes the form beautiful as well as strong, it also gives artistic ability and musical inspiration.

When Gemini is rising the body generated is tall and slender ; the arms and limbs are particularly long, fingers slender, hair dark, eyes hazel. Gemini people are quick, active and alert in all their movements, habitual restlessness is noticeable in the expression of the eyes, which differs in that respect from more fixed tendencies of the eyes of those born under the two preceding signs, although of course we do not mean that the Arian always looks angry and the Taurian stubborn, nevertheless, there is a settled tendency in those directions noticeable when these people are not occupied in a certain direction, but the Gemini person has an expression which Ls much more vivid, changeable and past finding out. They have acutely enquiring minds, always want to know the reason why, but often lack persistence to follow clews to the end, and thus meet disappointment. Being tactful they avoid giving offense even under provocation, and are therefore generally liked by all; though their own affections are not deep. Two distinct classes are born under this sign, one, too fond of reading, should cultivate independent thought, instead of repeating other people's ideas, or aping their manners; the other is scientific, well balanced and reserved; a model for any person.

The Sun rising in Gemini brings out all the noblest traits of the sign, it makes the nature more settled and contented, gives more persistence and a particularly healthy and active body.

Mercury, the ruler, rising in Gemini, sharpens perception, gives ability as a writer, or speaker, but makes the person born with that configuration extremely irritable, vacillating, fond of change of scene and employment. They are best fitted for traveling salesmen.

The chief peculiarities of the crab are a clumsy body, slender limbs and powerful claws; people born with Cancer rising express them all. They have a large upper body, augmented in later years by a prominence of the abdomen acquired by overeating. The mandible or lower jaw is powerfully hinged to the cranium, the face is therefore widest between the ears, the mouth is also large, and the whole construction similar to the crab's claw. The face is full, the hair brown, the eyes blue, complexion pale and sickly, for the Cancer person has the least vitality of any. The limbs are extremely slender in proportion to the large upper body, so the structure appears "top heavy," and they walk with a "rolling" gait.

Cancer people are very fond of the home and its comforts, they are quiet, reserved and adapt themselves to conditions, hence they are easy to get along with, their anger is shortlived, and they hold no spite. Though lacking in physical prowess, they are no hypocrites, but always have the courage of their convictions; they voice and defend them too.

The Sun rising in Cancer brings out and accentuates all the good qualities mentioned above, it gives more ambition and pride; also increases the vitality, and is a particular boon to people with Cancer rising in that respect, on account of their very low life force. Cancer, with its ruler, the Moon, governs the stomach and hence alimentation ; Leo and its ruler, the Sun, have charge of the heart and circulation. If these signs and planets are well placed in the horoscope, they counteract most other afflictions and a long lease of life is assured, but if they are afflicted, much sickness results unless intelligent care is applied to modify the omen.

The Moon, the ruler, rising in Cancer, will give much instability to the nature, and Jupiter being exalted will bring fortune and fame.

The lion is the king of beasts and even in captivity is an embodiment of stateliness and pride. The typical Leos of the Zodiac also express pride in every movement and a stateliness, which will not escape attention of the keen observer, the expansive chest, the massive shoulders, the strong arm and the large head contrast considerably with the more slender but still muscular under body, and as Aries has the sheep face, so the typical Leo has certain feline features. The complexion is florid, eyes large and full, blue or grayish in color, they express laughter, cheerfulness and content. The whole

frame is well knit and strong, having great endurance and recuperative power.